It’s been a dull start to the year.

But now that the big reopening effort has begun and lockdown restrictions are due to ease up yet again, there are brighter days ahead, especially when it comes to art and culture.

On Monday, May 10th, the Government has given the green light to galleries, museums and cultural attractions to open the doors for the first time in 2021.

While the doors have been closed, there’s been plenty of activity happening behind the scenes.

Here are three of the best galleries to visit in the coming weeks:

1. THE GLUCKSMAN

The Glucksman’s gallery will reopen from Tuesday, May 11th, welcoming visitors from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday and 2pm-5pm on Sundays (closed Mondays).

You can visit for safe-distance viewing of a new exhibition entitled HOME: Being and belonging in contemporary Ireland. Featuring 16 artists from across the island of Ireland, the exhibition considers critical issues such as housing and the climate crisis, immigration, multiculturalism and the changing perception of Ireland on the global stage.

All visitors must comply with Irish government regulations and public health advice, this currently includes wearing a face covering and keeping a safe distance of 2m from other visitors.

Items from the Glucksman Shop will be available by Click and Collect for the time being.

2. THE CRAWFORD ART GALLERY

Cork’s beloved Crawford Art Gallery reopens its doors to visitors at 10am on Monday, May 10th after a closure of over four months.

“We have been busy behind the scenes planning and installing some really interesting exhibitions and we are very excited that we can now share these with our visitors,” said Director Mary McCarthy.

“It has been a long time since the public has inhabited the gallery spaces and we miss the connection and engagement with our audiences. These new exhibitions will provide stimulation and space for reflection and conversation that we have been missing these past few months.”

Visitors to Crawford Art Gallery can expect to enjoy a newly installed commemorations Exhibition by Dara McGrath: “For Those That Tell No Tales” featuring over 60 photographic works which focus on Ireland’s War of Independence: a defining moment in Ireland’s history.

On May 21st they’ll unveil a new exhibition by internationally renowned artist Doug Fishbone. Commissioned by Crawford Art Gallery, the sculptural spectacle will mirror the housing and rental market and invites visitors to wander around Fishbone’s ‘ghost estate’.

3. NANO NAGLE PLACE

There’s an extra week to wait until Nano Nagle Place reopens its doors at 10am on Tuesday, May 18th, but we’re told it’ll be worth it.

“We’ve been painting, power washing, and pruning, so that when you return our stunning, free to enter, grounds will look better than ever – including our new secret courtyard garden,” says Shane Clarke, CEO of this hidden gem on Douglas Street.

Next week they will be installing the Faces of Learning exhibition in their front windows, with a Changing Habits summer exhibition, celebrating 250 years of convent life at Nano Nagle Place, launching in August. Later that month they will cut the ribbon on their Cork Printmakers partnership gallery show, Inflorescence.

“When planning your visit to our museum, don’t forget to download our app, which has an audio tour of the site,” adds Shane. “Bookings are time staggered from 11am to 4.15pm daily, and museum tickets are available to buy online.”

The gardens are free to visit all year around and Good Day Deli will reopen on Thursday, June 10th.